January 2009, Government Fleet - Feature
John Deere Introduces New Utility Tractor Product Lines
The tractor and utility vehicle manufacturer’s two new product series — the 5 Series and
6D Series — offer work tools to fit government maintenance fleet needs.
By Cindy Brauer
John Deere’s two new utility tractor product lines, the 5 Series and 6D Series, offer government maintenance fleets a flexible range of work tools available to fit public agency budget constraints.
New 5-Series ‘Low on Frills & Price’
The new 5 Series is "the most complete line of utility tractors" John Deere has ever offered, according to Rex Edmunds, division marketing manager, John Deere Augusta. The series includes models 5D, 5E, 5E Limited, and 5M.
Ranging from 45 to 105 horsepower, the product line is "designed to perform any application, with any implement, within any budget to meet the needs of any customer in the utility tractor market," according to John Deere press materials.
"Low on the frills and price," the 5D and 5E models feature a range of horsepower from 45 to 75. The 5D Series is offered in a 2WD axle, while the 5E offers 2WD or mechanical front-wheel-drive (MFWD) configurations.
The open station tractors feature synchronized transmissions and easy-to-reach, color-coded controls. Orange shifter and throttle controls govern tractor movement; black hydraulic controls manipulate the loader joystick and selective control valves (SCVs); yellow-coded controls command the PTO and attached implements.
The more powerful 5E Limited Series, ranging from 83 to 101 hp, offers more deluxe standard features, including a cab, John Deere’s PowrReverser transmission, wet traction clutch, and MFWD axle.
The higher-end 5M Series feature new transmissions, increased lift capabilities, greater stability for large implements, and a new operator environment for increased comfort and productivity.
Additional features includes a cab, wet clutch design, 2WD and MFWD, more hydraulic flow and capacity, and a durable frame designed for loaders. The 5M tractors offer a horsepower range of 65 to 105.